Can photobiomodulation restore anosmia and ageusia induced by COVID-19? A pilot clinical study.

Along with other COVID-19 clinical manifestations, management of both olfactory and gustatory dysfunction have drawn a considerable attention. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged to be a possible effective therapy in restoring taste and smell functionality, but the evidence is scarce. Hence, the present pilot study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intranasal and intraoral PBM administrations in management of anosmia and ageusia respectively. Twenty Caucasian subjects who diagnosed with anosmia and ageusia were recruited. Visual analogue scale was utilised to evaluate patients' self-reported for both olfactory and gustatory functionality. The laser-PBM parameters and treatment protocols for anosmia and ageusia were as follows respectively: 660 nm, 100 mW, two points intranasally, 60 J/session, 12 sessions; dual wavelengths (660 nm and 808 nm), 100 mW, three points intraorally, 216 J/session, 12 sessions. Our results showed a significant functionality improvement of both olfactory and gustatory functionality. Extensive studies with large data and long-term follow-up period are warranted.

Photobiomodulation therapy for treatment olfactory and taste dysfunction COVID-19-related: A case report.

It is postulated that the inflammatory process resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection is the main cause of smell and taste dysfunctions in patients. In view of this, photobiomodulation, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, may be a promising therapeutic modality to treat these disorders. In the present case report, we observed clinical improvement in the symptoms of anosmia and ageusia related to COVID-19 after treatment with photobiomodulation. Due to the inflammatory nature of COVID-19 and the anti-inflammatory effects, photobiomodulation antioxidants already proven in the literature make it a promising therapeutic modality, especially sequela COVID-related, including olfactory (anosmia) and taste (ageusia) dysfunction. In the present case report, the patient's olfactory and gustatory functions were re-established after 10 treatment sessions with photobiomodulation.

How can biophotonics help dentistry to avoid or minimize cross infection by SARS-CoV-2?

Biophotonics is defined as the combination of biology and photonics (the physical science of the light). It is a general term for all techniques that deal with the interaction between biological tissues/cells and photons (light). Biophotonics offers a great variety of techniques that can facilitate the early detection of diseases and promote innovative theragnostic approaches. As the COVID-19 infection can be transmitted due to the face-to-face communication, droplets and aerosol inhalation and the exposure to saliva, blood, and other body fluids, as well as the handling of sharp instruments, dental practices are at increased risk of infection. In this paper, a literature review was performed to explore the application of Biophotonics approaches in Dentistry focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and how they can contribute to avoid or minimize the risks of infection in a dental setting. For this, search-related papers were retrieved from PubMED, Scielo, Google Schoolar, and American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention databases. The body of evidence currently available showed that Biophotonics approaches can reduce microorganism load, decontaminate surfaces, air, tissues, and minimize the generation of aerosol and virus spreading by minimally invasive, time-saving, and alternative techniques in general. However, each clinical situation must be individually evaluated regarding the benefits and drawbacks of these approaches, but always pursuing less-invasive and less aerosol-generating procedures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.